114-year-old marathon runner Fauja Singh died in a road accident on Monday evening. He was hit by an unidentified vehicle while crossing the road and later died at a private hospital.
Fauja Singh, also known by his nickname ‘Turbaned Tornado’, had gained global fame by starting his marathon career in 2000 at the age of 89 and was known as the world’s oldest marathon runner. That year, he also participated in the London Marathon. In 2011, he became the oldest person to complete a full marathon after completing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
He set several age group records and continued running till the age of 101.
Singh’s family said he was out for a walk on the national highway near his home when he was hit by a vehicle.
He died after succumbing to injuries at his native village in Punjab’s Jalandhar district.
His death was confirmed by Kushwant Singh, who has written a biography titled ‘The Turbaned Tornado’. He posted on Instagram, “My Turbaned Tornado is no more. It is with great sadness that I have to inform you about the demise of my most revered late Fauja Singh. He was hit by an unknown vehicle while crossing the road in his village Beas at around 3:30 pm today. May his soul rest in peace, my dear Fauja.” According to PTI, he said he has spoken to his family members.
The car that hit Singh has not been identified. According to Adampur police station SHO Hardevpreet Singh, his son informed the police after the incident. A case of negligent driving has been registered against the driver. SHO HP Preet Singh said, “We have registered a case under relevant sections. The accident took place on the main road near Beas town. We are checking CCTV.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X, “Fauja Singh Ji was extraordinary because of his unique personality and the way he inspired the youth of India on an important subject like fitness.” He further added that he was “deeply saddened by his demise. My condolences are with his family and his countless fans across the world.”
Punjab Leader of Opposition and Congress MLA Partap Singh Bajwa, speaking to ANI, said that “he was a veteran athlete and possibly the longest-lived man of all time.” and “his name will be written in golden letters in history.”
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria also posted a message about the runner on X, writing, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Sardar Fauja Singh Ji, a great marathon runner and an icon of resilience. At the age of 114, he joined me in the ‘Nasha Mukt, Rangla Punjab’ march with unmatched zeal. His legacy will continue to inspire a drug-free Punjab. Om Shanti Om.” Fauja Singh had joined Kataria in a walkathon to spread awareness against drug abuse.
Singh moved to England in the 1990s. In 1999, he decided to run marathons for charity, with his first race being for premature babies. Lord Anthony Young of Norwood Green formally launched Fauja Singh’s biography in London in 2011.
He was also a torchbearer at the 2012 London Olympics. In 2013, Singh was honoured at a local school in Fatehgarh Sahib. He said one of his goals was to promote understanding of Sikh culture.
He said, “My beard and my turban have increased my respect in the world, and I believe in God… that is why I have been able to achieve my goals in life.”
